The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-06-21
GOV. GRAY'S INCONSISTENCY
HeShifts from His Position on the Lieu
tenant-Governorship Year Ago,
And, Yielding to the Green Smith Gang, Pro-
tests Against Col. Robertson Acting as
Member of the Board of Equalization.

| Rigid formaiities were observed yesterday al
the first meeting this year of the State Board of
Equalization, of which Governor Gray. Lieu
tenant-governor Robertson, Secretary of State
Griffin, Treasurer of State Lemcke, Auditor Of
State Carr and Attorney general Mich
ener are members Before the proceed
ings began there an interchange OF
small talk the Governor being especially
affable. although his position in tho minority
promised poor show for his peculiar views con-
corning the presence of Lieutenant -governoI
Robertson as a member of the board. It was
presumed that the Governor, if he wished to act
with the Green Smith faction of his party,
would protest against Lieutenant governor Rob-
ertson-if not in the violent manner character
istic of the Jennings county Senator at least il
q way that would possibly lead to scene Hs
was not indifferent to the situation. although ha
concealed his purpose under a graciousness that
led to an acknowledgement of courteous good
morning from the Secretary of State. The Gov
ernor and this officer had since the recent meet
ing at which two commissioners for constructing
the soldiers monument were appointed, ignored
each other While the recognition yesterday
was not effusive, 1t was sufficient to preserve the
proprieties
Whether the Governor knew the full object of
his colleagues in reference the organization Of
OOarQ
IL o'clock, Auditor of State Carr called them to
order and said the first business would be the
qualification of each as member of the State
Board of Equalization, Governor Gray suggested
that this should be done severally. The Clerk
of the Supreme Court, VIM. I. Noble, admin
istered the oath to him and them in turn. TO the
Lieutenant governor. Auditor, Secretary, Treas
urer and Attorney general The election OF
president of the board then coming up. Mr. Crit.
fin moved that the Lieutenant-governor be
given that Office. It has been customary to let
the Governor preside, but there is no law requr-
ing him to do The board has the power to
choose any OF its members as presiding officer.
Governor Gray did not evince wish to have
custom rule The only objection he saw fit to
make, the motion being seconded by Attorney
general Michner. was that the vote thereon
should be yea and nay and not viva voice. His
colleagues were willing, when the yea vote waf
was recorded, with all the members but the
Governor, who voted no He said in response.
Il vote mo- not for personal reasons, as you IN
derstand, but for legal reasons"
"Oh. yes replied Mr.. Carr. 1--WE understand
that"
John W Coons. the Deputy Auditor of State
was unanimously elected secretary, the Gov
voting for him with Il am perfectly will
ing to vote for Mr. Coons," after which he
offered the following resolution:
Whereas Hon. Mahlon D. Manson elected
NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. of Indiana at the general cleo
years and was duly qualified and acted as Lieutenant
governor of the State until the - day of -
appointment under the federal government and there
being no provision the Constitution and laws of
for any fractional term. therefore,
Resolved, That the admission and endance as
member of this board of Hon. r. S. Robertson. as
Acknowledgements. and his action as a member,
would be Unconstitutional. illegal and void; where
fore respectfully decline to recognize the said
s. Robertson member of the State Board OF
Equalization.
Nobody seconded the resolution. but motion
from Mr.. Carr to lay it on the table prevailed
The Governor then submitted the following:
STATE OF INDIANA, EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT,
GOVERNOR s OFFICE, INDIANAPOLIS, june 20
To Members of the State Board of Eaualization:
The Hon. MahIon D. Manson. who elected
in 1854 for the constitutional term of four years.
was duly qualified and acted Lieutenant governor
abdicated said Office by accepting appointments
under the federal government and there being
the election OF Lieutenant governor for any frac-
tiona therefore protest against the admission
the Hon. r. S. Robertson Acknowledgements of
this State believing his functions in that capacity
would be unconstitutional illegal and void
After the protest was promptly laid the Ia.
ble the Governor said, addressing Lieutenant
governor Robertson: Mr. President, want to
The Lieutenant governor said it would be taken
under consideration, but Treasurer of State
Lemcke thought it would be fair and courteous
to have the protest recorded. 10 this the others
agreed and the board adjourned until to-day.
1t is not the intention of the Governor to da
anything but submit as, he says, he knew what
was coming, and there was no way to prevent
it.
tits thought that his action subjects his posi-
ton before the election last fall TO criticism.
since it is known that he, in a large measure. IS
primarily responsible for the action of his party
in nominating candidate for Lieutenant gov
ernor Neither Green Smith nor any of his es-
pecial champions were present This is accept
ed as an i'm portant omission Smiths part ii
he expected to be consistent in the course pur-
sued during the winter.